The Immigration Debate: Proposition 187 — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1.5
D2.HIS.2.5
RI.5.3
RI.5.4
W.5.2

About This Reader

This passage introduces readers to Proposition 187, a significant event in California and U.S. history that shaped the modern immigration debate. Students will learn about the law's origins, the people involved, and how communities responded to the challenges it created. The passage explains key vocabulary and includes a glossary, a timeline of events, and engaging activities such as quizzes and writing prompts. It is designed to build historical thinking and literacy skills by following C3 Framework and relevant Common Core ELA standards. Audio read aloud and a Spanish translation are included for accessibility and language learning. This resource is ideal for deepening understanding of how laws and public debates affect diverse communities and for making connections between past and present immigration issues.

CONTENT PREVIEW

In 1994, people in California voted on a law called Proposition 187. This law was made to stop people without legal papers from getting some public services, like health care and school. Many people in California were worried about immigration. They thought too many people were coming to live in the state.

The main idea behind Proposition 187 was to check if people were legal residents before giving them certain services. If a person could not show proof, they might not get help from the government. Some people believed this would save money and protect jobs. Others thought it was unfair and would hurt families and children.

After the law passed, many people felt scared and upset. Large groups of students, teachers, and families held protests in the streets. They carried signs that read, "We are all Californians" and "No to discrimination." Some people said, "Everyone deserves respect." Their voices were strong and peaceful.

Leaders in the community and schools stood up for immigrant families. They talked about the importance of kindness and unity. They believed all children should be able to go to school and see a doctor if they need help. People from different backgrounds worked together to fight against the law.

Proposition 187 was challenged in court. Judges said parts of the law were not allowed by the U.S. Constitution. The courts stopped most of Proposition 187 from being used. Many people felt relief, but the debate about immigration continued in California and the rest of the country.

Proposition 187 changed the way people talked about immigration in the United States. It showed how laws can affect families and communities. It also showed how people can come together to stand up for what they believe is right.

Interesting Fact: More than 70,000 people marched in Los Angeles to protest Proposition 187, making it one of the largest protests in California history.

What year was Proposition 187 voted on?

1994198420041974

What state passed Proposition 187?

CaliforniaTexasFloridaNew York

Who held protests against Proposition 187?

Students, teachers, and familiesOnly policeOnly judgesOnly lawmakers

Why did some people support Proposition 187?

To save moneyTo allow more servicesTo make new jobsTo build more schools

What did community leaders believe?

All children deserve helpOnly adults deserve helpNo one needs helpOnly citizens matter

What happened to most of Proposition 187?

Courts stopped itIt became federal lawIt stayed the sameIt was forgotten